Slater made his dedication to the Olympic medalists

“I doubt you will pay for sushi or steak again in Japan,” he told Kanoa.


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The greatest surfer in history, Kelly Slater, who spent every day of Olympic surfing virtually ignoring or not posting at all about the debut of Olympic surfing, sparking media attention in the United States, made his first Olympic posts today.

He made a dedication to each medalist:

Italo's comment read: “No surprises here, Italo was my pick for the win from day 1, especially after barely making it to Miyazaki from the airport, turning the series around in five minutes and then going all the way to victory in the event. This guy has the magic. Congratulations, my brother.”

On Kanoa, he said: “Kanoa, you were my pick for the upset and the winner. I doubt you’ll ever pay for sushi or a steak in Japan again. And you’ve made both of your countries proud no matter what flag you surfed for. Great job!”

Women's podium: Bianca, Carissa and Amuro, in addition to the gold, silver and bronze medals, received congratulations from the best in history. Photo: ISA/Jimenez

About Owen he wrote: “What can I say about Owen Wright? This guy literally couldn’t walk for months. He came back to win at Snapper and now he knocked out the fittest surfer in the event, Gabriel Medina, to win bronze for Australia. I could feel it. Great job my man.”

On Carissa he said: “Destined for greatness, I saw videos of Carissa doing tubes and aerials at seven or eight years old. So no, I’m not surprised. But I’m very happy and proud of you.”

De Binca commented: “Bianca: I am so happy for you. Sometimes on and sometimes off tour and going through some personal challenges over the last few years. This must feel amazing. Congratulations to you and South Africa!”

And finally, of Amuro she said: “You have been the under-the-radar story of the year, being the first Japanese to qualify for the CT and surfing up to your potential on home soil. Enjoy the awards and congratulations!”

Kanoa, Italo and Owen congratulated for the best ever. Photo: ISA/Jimenez